Welkom police have arrested five people for allegedly kidnapping a person and demanding payment for the victim’s release.
The five, who are aged between 23 and 29 years old, face charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, conspiracy to commit crime, possession of unlicensed ammunition and violation of the Immigration Act.
The Lejweleputswa district has in recent months been plagued by several kidnapping cases where suspects demand ransom for the victims to be released.
Police spokesperson for the area, Captain Stephen Thakeng, said in a statement a multi-disciplinary team – which included members of the Welkom Public Order Policing, Thabong Task Team and the Thabong Serious and Violent Crimes Unit – rounded up the suspects at different locations in the gold mining town on Sunday afternoon.
He said the police initially visited a house in Thabong where the first suspect was arrested.
“He tried to flee but could not match the team and was apprehended,” said Thakeng.
“The arrest of this suspect led to the arrest of his four accomplices in the New Stands and Gugulethu Informal Settlement.
“Five cellphones and one magazine with seven live ammunitions were confiscated.
“Four of the suspects are foreign nationals and one of them is a South African.”
Lejweleputswa district police commissioner Major General Lerato Molale applauded the joint operation and assured the public that the police will continue to prevent kidnappings and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book to face the might of the law.
The suspects will appear in the Welkom Magistrates Court on Tuesday. – Staff Reporter